Rapid urbanization in Surat is resulting in a growing number of slum dwellers, inadequate and overburdened infrastructure and services (such as waste collection and water and sanitation systems, roads and transport), worsening air pollution, and unplanned urban sprawl. 

To get a fighting chance at achieving the SDGs by 2030, we need to radically rethink our development programs – break down silos, focus efforts on areas that lead to maximum impact, and more importantly, course-correct in real-time — not five years later.

What does Development really mean?

Is it just the growth in per capita income & GDP or an increase in the overall well-being of the society?

Are we really Developing?

Let's look at some of the major issues confronting Surat:

·       Rising Air Pollution from Industries & Vehicles

·       Water Pollution- Ground water levels are deteriorating at an alarming rate; Tapi river falls under ‘C’ class

·       Visual Pollution

·       Noise Pollution- more than 60db in residential areas

·       Rising Heat Index

·       Rising Population Density- No population control/ planning strategy

·       Food Security is a question mark

·       Waste Management

·       Road & Transport Infrastructure

·       Inadequate research & higher education infrastructure

·       Uninformed citizens

As per the facts presented in Surat Development Report 2035, Surat has been declared vulnerable to climate change. The mindless development has led to contamination of our basic necessities: air, water & food.

The above problems should be resolved by the Urban Development Authority. However, Surat Development Report 2035 doesn’t address any of the above problems adequately and is neither aligned to UN’s Sustainable Development Goals of 2030.

There’s an urgent need to RE-think the development of Surat city and re-frame the development plan for 2030.

Join us in asking the Surat Urban Development Authority & Mayor of Surat, Smt. Hemali Kalpeshkumar Boghawala to radically re-think and re-design the Development Plan 2035 of Surat for achieving UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. Sign this petition if you wish to save Surat from the perils of mindless development.